Writer Jennifer Baker, in front of a crowd of book lovers, joked about not being properly caffeinated at 10 a.m.
She then delved into a discussion about her 2023 novel “Forgive me Not,” addressing issues of racism and biases while narrating a Black teenager’s journey through the juvenile justice system after causing a fatal accident while driving drunk.
The protagonist of the book, Letta, deals with judgment inside and outside the courtroom, with her family determining her sentence in the novel. Baker highlighted the themes of racism and justice in the story.
During the 2024 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at USC, Baker participated in a panel titled “Do the Right Thing: Social Justice and Dystopias in Young Adult Fiction” with other writers like Paula Yoo and Kim Johnson.
Panelists Sharon Levin, Kim Johnson, Paula Yoo, and Jennifer Baker discuss “Do the Right Thing: Social Justice and Dystopias in Young Adult Fiction” at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.
(Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)
Johnson shared how her book “Invisible Son” explores race and criminal justice through the story of a Black teenager in Portland during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The festival, featuring authors like T.C. Boyle, Chelsea Clinton, and Roxane Gay, offers various panel discussions, book purchases, and live music.
Attendees at the Los Angeles Festival of Books sign the books they are reading.
(Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)
Kathy Becerra, a Whittier resident, expressed her joy at being surrounded by books at the event, calling it a homecoming.
The festival, attracting over 155,000 people, hosts more than 200 events with 550 participants, including authors and experts.
Rupaul discusses his memoir, “The House of Hidden Meanings,” at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.
(Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)
Notable participants on Saturday included RuPaul, Kerry Washington, and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, discussing topics ranging from science writing to romance novels.
Upcoming events on Sunday include a conversation with Tiffany Haddish and a cooking demonstration by Nancy Silverton.
Robert Watt, a regular attendee, and author who recently published a book on African American symphony players, emphasized the importance of reading to understand social justice issues.
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